CHICAGO INNERVIEW

There's a lot to be said about gimmicks. There's also a lot to be said about first impressions. Owen Ashworth's solo project Casiotone for the Painfully Alone might have a tough time avoiding the pitfalls of both, at least at first glance. Though, with his thoughtful poeticism and mastery of electronics - more specifically the Casio, and even more specifically the e-drum - Ashworth proves music to be an actual reflection of the soul. The project may seem simple in practice and the name may appear emo in theory, but it's Ashworth's intentions that are characterized by complexity and organic purpose. His baritone-laden vocal approach, in particular, might find itself nearer to the earthly range of Jens Lekman than to electro-crooner (and Tomlab labelmate) Patrick Wolf. CTFPA provides Tomlab with yet another building block in the label's reputation as the finest outpost of electronically-influenced experimental music. Keep doing that thing you do.

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